For one hot weekend in June, you can celebrate the coming of a new year in the traditional Yoruba way of Nigeria, West Africa. And you don’t have to travel that far! Taking place in the Graduate Hospital neighborhood of Philly is the ever-exciting Odunde African American Festival. Odunde means Happy New Year!
The event begins with a noon-time procession to the Schuylkill River (from 23rd & South Streets), where prayers and gifts are offered to the Yoruban goddess of love, Oshun. This goddess delights in the beauty of decorative jewelry and art. The festivities then continue at a fair where street vendors offer the symbols of Oshun, like jewelry, honey, silks and fans. Live music and dance performances abound as you try ethnic foods inspired by African and African-American cultures.
This festival is designed for the whole family to enjoy, but is also a neat experience just to walk through on your own (I stumbled upon it last year as I left my house right down the street) and take in the rich smells and colors of the authentic African Marketplace. Get your hair braided, watch stepping or roller dance, or check out the traditional African instruments. You’re guaranteed to leave inspired, happy & full.
Odunde African American Festival
June 14th
23rd & South Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19146
www.odundeinc.org
Posted By: Daniel Moss
Thursday, June 11th 2009 at 5:17PM
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